Gabe sails in for monthly award

Tuesday, Nov. 30, Khao Kheow – Stableford

The last time we went to Khao Kheow it was blowing a gale, so I looked forward to this trip and hoped for better weather. Early morning at Bert’s was as usual, quiet with the smell of hot coffee and breakfast. Then off we go to K.K.

The trip up there is now quick and the roads are far better than they were years ago. Straight onto route 7 off Sukhumwit, and it is only a chip and a put to get to the course. The ‘sign in’ there is as quick as anywhere and soon it was onto the first tee.

Tuesday’s winners, Brian Gabe (golfer of the month), left, and Tony Scambler, right, with Nim on her last day at Bert’s.

The test this day was to be the B & C nines and for my sins I decided we would play off the white tees as the low season has been so wet that the ball has had no run. Maybe looking at the scores it should have been the yellow, but we live and learn. Next week however! (No, not black).

Stood on the first tee we were all pleased to see very little wind, and during the whole round the weather was absolutely superb. This day was a pleasure to behold, great weather and I nearly learned my lesson on the first green when a really good drive and a very nice 9 iron left me only 12 foot from the pin, and below the pin if anything. It was an easy tap in six. Yes, the greens were fast and tricky.

We were moving well and the course was not too full, in fact only towards the end of the 18 holes did we run into the people in front, a really good walk not spoilt. The course itself was in pretty good condition, although in places we still had some standing water. The fairways were well defined and the rough was tough. All in all, as usual, K.K. was a pleasure to play.

The view from the restaurant is second to none and it is a pleasure to sit there, have a beer and something to eat, and watch players coming down the last. Done it a few times, and on this day as the scores came in it was obvious that we were going to have some impressive scores. Not only that, but all the players had a great day also.

Back at Bert’s we were soon into ‘Happy Hour’, I think Dick times his return till it starts. On this day Bert laid on free ‘fish and chips’ for all the players as long as they put a donation in the kitty for Nim. This young lady has been looking after all the persons in Bert’s for 5 years and she will be sadly missed.

Soon we were into the presentation and it was soon apparent the scores were good. In the A Flight, 0 to 16, the winner was Tony Scambler with 40 points on count-back over Steve Hamstad in second. In third was Per Olaf Baarli with 39 points.

In the B Flight the winner was Brian Gabe with 40 points ahead of Steve Compton with 39 points and in third was P.S. Basi with 35 points. Good scores all.

This was also the day for the ‘Golfer of the Month’ award and with his win on the day Brian Gabe sailed in. Well done Brian.

Near Pins: Koji Yamada, Tony Scambler, Dick Warberg, P.S. Basi

Long Putt: Per Olaf Baarli, Jack Robertson

Friday, Dec. 3, Green Valley – Stableford

Nineteen golfers, no last minute sign-ups, zero no-shows, bright blue skies, and headed to a fine course. An organizers dream!

Breakfast over and all finding places in a vehicle for the short ride to the Green Valley complex, all were looking forward to a fine day on the fairways. We were not to be disappointed. The rate was very good for high season and the course was in marvelous condition. No need for lift, clean, and place now, and the balls were soon bounding down the fairways.

With play moving along a a good pace, our groups finished their rounds in a bit over four hours and all were soon on their way back to Tropical Bert’s for a Golfer’s Special of ‘banger’s and mash’ or the usual Friday fish ‘n chip’s.

Good scores today on a well maintained course and we’ll be heading back soon.